HMCo #43p Kelpie

"[1879-06-07] Sat 7: Kelpie [#43p]. June 7th 1879, Torpedo station wharf to mooring in Bristol 1h 13m, 3 on board, fresh wind [from] WNW, small flood tide. Natural draft, compond condensing eng[ine] 3 1/2 & 6 x 7. Sandy P[oin]t to Beacon 18m 50sec. [This entry in space intended for April 25, 1878.]" (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. Diary, 1879. Manuscript (excerpts). Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection.)

"... In 1876 Mr. [William] Young first came to Bristol, for a launch built for W[illiam] Graham, Esq. of Baltimore. The launch was named 'Coquina' [#29p] (from which I took the name for my 16' periauge [#404s] in 1888). She was 27 1/2 [ft] long, with 3 1/2in x 7in single engine and 'coil boiler' and was taken to 'Indian River', Fla., for the winter following.
In 1877, Mr. Graham had built by John, under Mr. Young's supervision, the launch 'Kelpie' [#43p] --- 45' x 6' 10'' with double 3 1/2 x 7 engine & coil boiler.
Kelpie was returned in 1878 to H.M.Co. in part-payment for the steam-yacht 'Liela' [sic, #40p], also built for Mr. Wm. Graham and under Mr. Young's supervision. Liela was of composit [sic] construction, double planked topsides, fitted with a compound engine 12 x 21 x 24 and 'coil boiler', and was quite fast. She was 100 1/2' o.a. & 15ft beam --- about 12' in w.l. [beam].
'Liela' was returned to H.M.Co. in spring of 1880, in part payment for a larger steam yacht 'Gleam' [#65p], built that preceding winter. 'Gleam' was about 115' o.a., 105' w.l. & 16' beam, 'composit', compound engine & square boiler --- for Mr. Wm. Graham, and supervised by Mr. Young & [he] was here all winter as 'resident inspector'.
About the beginning of the year of 1888 Mr. Young was again here with commission from Mr. ? [George S. Brown, the father-in-law of William Graham] of Baltimore, to oversee the construction of 'Ballymena' [#151p]. This yacht was steel construction, about 130ft x 18', powered with a 5 cyl[inder] quadruple engine & square type boiler. This yacht was launched in fall of 1888.
Mr. Young was of fine[?] extraction, a refined gentleman in character and apparently thought very highly of by the higher classes in Baltimore, and was a connoisseur in articles, fine character, and was fond of working as a silversmith, and apparently quite an expert, a wonderful fine 'shot' with rifle & trap shooting. A fine yachtsman, and I suppose, other accomplishments. Absolutely upright & honest in all his dealings.
We became very friendly and attached to each other, and he to the Herreshoff family.
Although friendly and I imagine 'engaged', he didn't marry Miss Mary Gilmor until in the early [18]'90s, and when both were well along in years. Mrs. Young was a woman of lovable character.
In 1899, when on a visit at 'Love Rocks' of Mr. & Mrs. Young and Mrs. Young's niece, Miss Alice Gilmor, on occasion of the launching of the 90ft Cup defender 'Columbia' [#499s], Mr. Young was stricken with (?)-hemorrhage and passed away at my house. A lement [sic] to all who knew him.
He was probably over 70 years at that time [sic, i.e. 74]. N.G.H." (Source: Herreshoff, Nathanael G. "Notes on Two Fine Portraits - Found by Ann and Brought to me for Identification." August 17, 1937. Copy. In: Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections, MIT Museum, Cambridge, Mass. Haffenreffer-Herreshoff Collection, Series VI, Folder HH.6.126, Box HAFH.6.4B.)

"No. 43 or Kelpie, steamer, of Baltimore.
Built at Bristol, RI, by Herreshoff Manufacturing Co., 1878.
6.30 tons; 43.4ft. x 6.7 ft. x 3.1 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
No deck, no mast, plain head, square stem.
Surveyed and measured, June 19, 1878." (Source: U.S. Customs Department, Bristol, R.I. Custom House Record Book, 1870s to 1904 (Collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum), s.v. Kelpie.)

"[License issued to vessel under 20 tons. Pos. 137:]
Kelpie, steamer, of Baltimore.
Built at [blank] [HMCo].
6.30 tons; 43.4ft. x 6.7 ft. x 3.1 ft. [Register length x breadth x depth.]
No specifications shown. Previous documentation not shown.
Lic[ensed] (temporary) [for] (CT [Coastal Trade]) July 1, 1878. Owner: William H. Graham of Baltimore, Md. Master: William H. Graham.
Surrendered [license] July 24, 1878 at Baltimore, Md. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence]).
Lic[ensed] [for] (CT [Coastal Trade]) Oct. 21, 1878 (change of hailing port - Bristol). Owner: John B. Herreshoff of Bristol. Master: John B. Herreshoff. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence]).
Lic[ensed] [for] (CT [Coastal Trade]) Oct. 31, 1879. Owner: same. Master: same. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence]).
Lic[ensed] [for] (CT [Coastal Trade]) May 24, 1881. Owner: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol. Master: N. G. Herreshoff, Bristol. Surrendered Apr. 24, 1882 at Bristol, vessel sold at a foreign port [England]. ([Record at:] C[ustom] H[ouse, Providence])." (Source: Survey of Federal Archives, Work Projects Administration. Ships Documents of Rhode Island. Bristol. Ship Registers and Enrollments of the Port of Bristol - Warren Rhode Island, 1941, s.v. Kelpie.)

"Port of Bristol, R. I. Arrived. Monday 16 [September 1878] ...
Steam yacht Kelpie, Herreshoff, from Baltimore. ... [#43p Kelpie had been built for William H. Graham of Baltimore and was returned to Bristol in part-payment for #40p Leila, which had just been delivered to Graham in Baltimore by J. B. Herreshoff, leaving Bristol on September 2, 1878 (and suggesting that it was J. B. Herreshoff who was now returning with Kelpie).]" (Source: Anon. "Phoenix Marine Journal." Bristol Phoenix, September 21, 1878, p. 2.)

"STEAM Yachts FOR SALE. --- The Herreshoff Manufacturing Company offer the Leila and a smaller steam launch for sale. Both have safety coil boilers, and can be had at a bargain.
THE GLEAM. --- On her recent trial the Gleam [#65p] made sixteen miles readily, and the possibilities are that she can be driven up to twenty when her bearings are worn a little more. She has been sent to her owner, Mr. W. H. Graham, of Baltimore. [Note: The smaller launch for sale was probably #43p Kelpie which in June 1880 had been chartered by the HMCo to the Eastern Rowing Association (see Forest & Stream of June 24, 1880, p. 419). William H. Graham had traded in his previous two Herreshoff-built steam yachts Leila and Kelpie when he took delivery of Gleam.]" (Source: Anon. (C. P. Kunhardt?) "Yachting News." Forest and Stream, May 13, 1880, p. 295.)

"THE KELPIE. --- At the recent World's Regatta at Providence the Herreshoffs furnished one of their famous launches, the Kelpie [#43p], as judges' and press boat. The Rhode Island Press, in speaking of the efficient service rendered by her as judges. police and press boat, says: 'She has behaved finely during her three days' service, and won many encomiums, and so has Capt. Chas. F. Herreshoff, who handled her. Always ready and prompt to do the right thing at the right time, he was the one man among a thousand for the oftentimes perplexing service upon which he was engaged, and the gentlemen of the committee speak in the highest terms of satisfaction of his services.' ...
The HOME OF HIGH SPEEDS. --- The summer months have opened busily at the constructing and machine shops of the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, Bristol. R. I. ... The Eastern Rowing Association recently chartered two of this Company's steamers for the World's regatta, last Thursday. The Kelpie [#43p] served general uses, carrying press reporters, etc., and the torpedo boat [apparently #64p] was for the use of the referees." (Source: Anon. (C. P. Kunhardt?) "Yachting News." Forest and Stream, June 24, 1880, p. 419.)

"The following is a list of the steam yachts built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company of Bristol, R.I: ... Kelpie, 47 feet by 7 feet, built 1878 for William H. Graham, of Baltimore. Engine, 3 1/2 inches and 6 inches by 7 inches; boiler, 42 inches diameter, Herreshoff coil; speed, 12 miles. ..." (Source: Jaffray, Edward S. "American Steam Yachting." Outing, April 1886, p. 23-25.)

"N/A"

"[Item Description:] Typewritten letter, speed trials in Portsmouth (England), can't you build something for [Frederick Allen] Gower?', 'we hear nothing from James, I wish you could make him write oftener', floor of South machine shop is done, machines replaced, Nat altered some of their positions, #43p KELPIE has gone to Newport to serve Capt. Arthur for the day, Amasa [M. Eaton] is quite well again, Charley goes off fishing every day, love to Sadie and Katie, reports of #40p LEILA having been shipped." (Source: Herreshoff, Lewis. Letter to (Herreshoff), John [JBH]. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 86.32. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Various), Folder [no #]. 1881-08-26.)
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"[Item Description:] On HMCo stationery, 'by direction of Mr. Nat cabled you yesterday 'three, assyrian, eleventh, well', means #43p KELPIE and 2 Navy launches [#80p and #81p] are to go by ASSYRIAN MONARCH on 11th Oct [1881] ... the BARSTOW is to take from here and hoist them onto the A.M's deck', ice in my yard, 'houses no 1, 2, 3 = 4' o.k., Justin goes to school, Mr. Nat & myself still continue to get along finely, it makes it quite hard for Mr Nat to attend to all, the different departments (he has not said so however I judge from appearance), I have tried to help, please remember me to Mr. Seabury & Gray, H & B U.S. Inspector just arrived to inspect No 84 [#84p Launch for St. Y. PASTIME], she is a beauty, 76 [#76p IDLE HOUR] names now on J.R.[?], all seem satisfied." (Source: Smith, J. F. Letter to Herreshoff, J.B. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 86.31. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Various), Folder [no #]. 1881-10-07.)
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"[Item Description:] Johnie wanted me to write and tell you about the boats [#80p and #81p], how they were taken to Sheerness on Wednesday, ... the trials really commenced when they left their anchorage in the Thames, ..., sea was quite rough but the boats behaved splendidly, ... on Thursday trials were made with them and also with a new boat from the White's ... , trials ... were very satisfactory, ... yesterday ... was off in the #43p KELPIE with Messrs. Dunnell, ... they were all very much pleased with her, Mr. Studer arrived from Paris on Wed. 7 and went to Sheerness on Thurs. to see the Pinnaces --- he and J. called on the French Naval Attache yest. p. m. to see what arrangement could be made to have the Vidette [#85p and #86p] tried and accepted, either at Bristol or New York. ... high speed trial ... with one of the pinnaces ... hope to be able to sail on the 12th in the GALLIA, yesterday Kate & J. took dinner with Mrs. Dunnell, ... went to Hampton Court Palace ... I have just returned from Sheerness ... made the trial with # 81 --- moderately rough water --- 3 men on board --- 180 lbs steam --- made 9 1/4 knots --- ... our boats have double the carrying capacity ... our boilers would undoubtedly be adopted for all torpedo boats ... yours in haste, John by S[adie]'." (Source: (Herreshoff), Sadie. Letter to (Herreshoff), Lewis. Herreshoff Marine Museum Collection Acc. 86.264. HMM Library Rare Books Room (Various), Folder [no #]. 1881-11-05.)
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Note: This list of archival documents contains in an unedited form any and all which mention #43p Kelpie even if just in a cursory way. Permission to digitize, transcribe and display is gratefully acknowledged.

• Isherwood, Benjamin Franklin, Theo. Zeller and Charles E. DeValin. "Report of a Board of United States Naval Engineers on the Boiler and System of Machinery for Steam-Yachts, Steam-Launches, etc." Washington, Bureau of Steam Engineering of the U.S. Navy Department, 1880.
  Detailed descriptions of the boilers of four Herreshoff vessels (#43p Kelpie, #52p Javelin, #54p Dolphin, #57p Launch for N. Y. Coast Survey), testing results and procedures, praise of the lightness of the Herreshoff machinery and efficiency of the Herreshoff coil boiler.

• Kelpie (HMCo-made index card)
• Kelpie (MIT Museum-made index card)
• Note: The vessel index cards comprise two sets of a total of some 3200 cards about vessels built by HMCo, with dimensions and information regarding drawings, later or former vessel names, and owners. They were compiled from HMCo's early days until 1920 and added to in later decades, apparently by Hart Nautical curator William A. Baker and his successors. While HMCo seems to have used only one set of index cards, all sorted by name and, where no name was available, by number, later users at MIT apparently divided them into two sets of cards, one sorted by vessel name, the other by vessel number and greatly expanded the number of cards. Original HMCo cards are usually lined and almost always punched with a hole at bottom center while later cards usually have no hole, are unlined, and often carry substantially less information. All cards are held by the Francis Russell Hart Nautical Collections of the MIT Museum in Cambridge, Mass.

Name: Kelpie
Type: Steam
Length: 47'
Owner: Graham, W. H.

Source: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. "A Partial List of Herreshoff Clients." In: Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. Herreshoff Yachts. Bristol, Rhode Island, ca. 1931.

• Kelpie
• Note: The L. Francis Herreshoff index cards comprise a set of some 1200 cards about vessels built by HMCo, with dimensions and / or ownership information. Apparently compiled in the early 1930s, for later HMCo-built boats like the Fishers Island 23s or the Northeast Harbor 30s are not included. Added to in later decades, apparently by L. F. Herreshoff as well as his long-time secretary Muriel Vaughn and others. Also 46 cards of L. F. Herreshoff-designed vessels. The original set of index cards is held by the Herreshoff Marine Museum and permission to display is gratefully acknowledged.

Name: Kelpie
Type: 47' steam
Owner: William H. Grahm [sic, i.e. Graham]
Row No.: 345

Source: Herreshoff, L. Francis. "Partial List of Herreshoff-Built Boats." In: Herreshoff, L. Francis. Capt. Nat Herreshoff. The Wizard of Bristol. New York, 1953, p. 325-343.

Year: 1878
E/P/S: P
No.: 043
Name: Kelpie
OA: 47'

Source: Vermilya, Peter and Maynard Bray. "Transcription of the HMCo. Construction Record." Unpublished database, ca. 2000.

Note: The transcription of the HMCo Construction Record by Peter Vermilya and Maynard Bray was performed independently (and earlier) than that by Claas van der Linde. A comparison of the two transcriptions can be particularly useful in those many cases where the handwriting in the Construction Record is difficult to decipher.

"The owner, William Hamilton Graham (1823-1885), was director of Baltimore's oldest banking house of Alexander Brown and Sons and brother-in-law of George S. Brown (1834-1890) whose grandfather had been the bank's founder and who in 1887 would order the steam yacht #151p Ballymena. HMCo built four yachts for Graham, all supervised by William Young (who became a friend of NGH and also supervised Ballymena's construction): #29p Coquina (1877), #43p Kelpie (1878), #40p Leila (1878), and #65p Gleam (1880)." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. October 17, 2016.)

"Kelpie's two simple expansion steam engines were removed and replaced with a compound condensing engine of 3 1/2 and 6 inches diameter and 7 inches stroke after her return to HMCo in 1879 as per notes in NGH's diary and in the press." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. June 5, 2018.)

"Contemporary letters in the collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum indicate that Kelpie was shipped to England on the Assyrian Monarch on October 11, 1881, together with two Navy launches, #80p and #81p." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. June 5, 2018.)

"Date this vessel was finished was estimated as June 19, 1878, the date this boat was measured by the U.S. Custom House inspector as per the U.S. Custom House Record Book in the collection of the Herreshoff Marine Museum." (Source: van der Linde, Claas. February 9, 2020.)

Note: Research notes contain information about a vessel that is often random and unedited but has been deemed useful for future research.